Message from Wayne Simmerman

I just found out today (Monday 11 May 2020) that my friend has passed. John and I served together as Marines in the early 1970s.
I'm so very sorry for the delay in sending my condolences.

Message from Sammy Fetter

Hello Mary & family, my deepest sympathy & prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. My dad & John were very close & John went above & beyond helping my dad with various projects & even building him a custom trailer for one of my dad's midgets & not even letting my dad offer him some money for the project. Also John gave me the opportunity to drive & race one of his dwarf cars around 05, 06 a dream of mine to finally race & spend time together like family. I'll forever remember John & my dad sitting in the pit area eating those sunflower seeds. We will miss John like we miss our dad but we will carry on & make them proud, godspeed & forever live the promise at John 5:28,29.

A candle was lit by Dirt & Susan Keadle plus Family on June 1, 2017 11:15 PM

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Mary & Family...
We are with you and your family. God Bless John's soul he is now with his love one's. You all will miss him, but he will alway's be in your heart's. God Bless you, Emmye, Cory, Megan & Baby Carter...Love your Family in Las Vegas...The Keadle's

A candle was lit by Dirt, Susan, Brock, Raven, Cosmic, Megan, Marty...The Keadle on June 1, 2017 11:09 PM

Message from John Mead, River City Cruisers

The following are some memories of John that have been sent to the River City Cruisers members via email and I thought they should also be posted here to let John’s family and others know how well respected and valued John’s life was and the impact he had on the people around him.

From Larry Hagedorn: John was a special friend of ours that got Kegan started in the Junior Dragsters almost 20 years ago. It is safe to say we would not be who we are without John. He was a real gear head, and always looked forward to the car shows. Not only did he get us started in Drag racing, but he has helped me on many projects since.

He not only helped us but others as well. He helped out Monnigs, and Cullen Thompson with their circle track cars. He rarely missed a show, most of the time he had his old primered truck, which the last few years he actually had paint on it


From Charlotte Struttman: I just want to add that John did have an impact on a lot of young people and got them started in racing. When my brother was 12-ish, he raced a go-kart for a couple years that John owned. And who knows how many more? My brother didn’t keep going in the racing world, but John definitely had an impact.

Message from Doug Stenslokken

I had the pleasure of spending time with John in Springfield at our son's Sigma Chi events and also a few times at the Frye deer camp south of Rolla. I really enjoyed John's company along with his fishing, hunting and dog stories. We had a lot in common. I will certainly miss the opportunity to spend time with him again in this life. Mary, Emmye and Corey, I offer prayers for strength and courage during this very difficult time. God bless you all!

Message from Doug Stenslokken

Thank you Doug, and yes many funny stories have come from that place and about John, in general, You fellas, yes, you know who you are. Don't be shy . . . .make us laugh now. Love and Thanks to everyone, Mary and family

A candle was lit by Wilmer & Josie Erfling on May 25, 2017 8:27 PM

A candle was lit by The Monte Stiegman Family on May 25, 2017 1:06 PM

Expression of Sympathy

A Designers Choice was ordered on May 25, 2017

A candle was lit by Larry, Rebecca and Kegan Hagedorn on May 25, 2017 9:37 AM

Message from Alouise Marschel

Mary - I am so sorry for your loss - I was so surprised - take care of yourself and we can get together sometime soon. Love, Alouise

Expression of Sympathy

A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent by LARRY AND KAREN BADE on May 25, 2017